Running with humans is overrated. For the best running partner ever, look no further than your dear ole dog. Man's best friend is a superior sidekick for these nine indisputable reasons.
#1 — Your dog will help you meet new people.
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Making new friends isn't always easy—particularly for young professionals in new and unfamiliar cities and/or neighborhoods. Not only will your pooch be more than happy to make an introduction on your behalf, fellow runners will also reveal themselves as fellow dog people. Just like that, you'll have a head start on establishing common interests. This strategy can be especially beneficial for those who are single and hoping to mingle.
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Your Next Race#2 — Running is supposed to be fun!
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Just because we love to run, doesn't mean it's an easy sport. Losing sight of the joy of running is a common struggle. Fortunately, our dogs love running just as much—and they're seemingly always having the time of their lives. When that never-ending hill at mile eight starts to get the best of you, just sneak a peek at Fido's toothy grin and wagging tail. In that moment, there's no place your pup would rather be.
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Your Next Race#3 — Dogs are expert motivators.
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Talking ourselves out of a run is easier than we'd care to admit. Talking our dogs out of a run? Not so easy. Nothing fosters accountability quite like those sad puppy eyes and a won't-take-no-for-an-answer attitude. You see, regardless of how long your day seemed, your pooch is certain that it's time for that run. He or she has been waiting all day for it. Should you choose to skip it, you'll just be devastating your best friend. No pressure, right?
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Your Next Race#4 — Your dog is the ultimate bodyguard.
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Dogs are remarkably loyal and protective of their owners. Friends and family may know that yours is a gentle giant, but ill-meaning passersby see a furry bodyguard. Running with your dog provides comfort and peace of mind, while opening up paths and times of day for a run that would otherwise be off-limits.
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Your Next Race#5 — "A tired dog is a good dog."
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Understimulated dogs can be restless and destructive, even a little irritable. Stimulated dogs, on the other hand, are almost always happy, obedient and generally content. Of course, not all dogs are created equal with regard to workload, so be sure you do the requisite research into just how many miles your breed of dog can handle.
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Your Next Race#6 — Dogs don't complain.
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At some point, your human running partner is going to complain. It's going to be too hot or too cold. There will be too much elevation change or not enough. Your route will be played out or too unfamiliar. Their knee hurts, they have sweat in their eyes--and on and on (and on). Your dog? No complaints. Not one. No matter what. Your running pup is all positivity, all the time.
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Your Next Race#7 — Dogs enjoy running as much as we do.
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We love our furry little companions and they love us, but there isn't much else we share an equal enthusiasm for. Running so happens to be one of those things. In fact, running may be the No. 1 thing. From the inherent health benefits to the natural high, going for a run is beneficial and enjoyable for both man and beast.
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Your Next Race#8 — Dogs don't care about your mile split.
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Too often, we're consumed by numbers; we're watching our pace, checking our mileage poring over the statistics we produced post-run. In such a performance-driven sport, a slow day on the trail can be an annoyance to your running partner—unless, of course, your running partner is your dog. Fido doesn't care if your mile split is 7 minutes or 10. He's just happy to be along for the run.
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Your Next Race#9 — Your dog won't back out due to a scheduling conflict.
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Few things are worse than waking up early or rushing home in the evening to meet your running partner, only to find out "something came up." Guess who never has a scheduling conflict? That's right, your precious pup. Fido's schedule is wide open all day, every day, and there's nothing more urgent than a run with you.
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Your Next Race
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